Crime Line - Hampton/williamsburg/newport News/york (county)

February 03, 1990

HAMPTON

Some businesses in Hampton have been plagued by recent thefts of recyclable metals.

In the most recent theft, the owner of Public Auto Parts and Scrap Inc. at 2050 W. Pembroke Ave. reported that burglars hauled away a large quantity of scrap copper. He discovered the burglary after opening Monday. He found a lock on the front gate had been cut, police said. A lock that secured a railroad car used for storage also had been broken.

In addition to the copper, police said clothing, a kerosene heater and several storage drums were taken.

The thieves hauled the stolen items to a truck that had been parked next to an abandoned house on 50th Street.

Police say the burglary is similar to one Dec. 15 at the same business in which scrap copper was stolen.

Anyone who knows the identity of these burglars or has information that will help police solve the crimes is urged to call Crime Line at 722-9800.

WILLIAMSBURG

Williamsburg Crime Line is seeking information about a purse snatching that occurred about 8 p.m. Jan. 27 on Duke of Gloucester Street near Bruton Parish Episcopal Church.

The victim reported that two men were walking behind her when one of them ran up to her, grabbed her Aigner shoulder bag and ran in the direction of Lafayette Street.

The men were seen getting into a 1981 Buick four-door car and driving at a high rate of speed down Lafayette Street. The purse contained $150 and several credit cards, including a First Pennsylvania Bank Mastercard.

The men were described as being in their 20s, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, weighing 175 to 180 pounds and wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call 220-2331.

NEWPORT NEWS

Newport News police are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted on charges of rape and robbery of a woman in June 1988.

Steve Lawton, 33, is also wanted on related charges of aggravated sexual battery, use of a gun and two counts of abduction. Lawton stands 5-foot-6 and weighs about 150 pounds.

Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Line at 245-0755.

YORK (COUNTY)

York Crime Line is seeking information about the theft of two motorcycles between 1 and 5 p.m. Jan. 25 from Choisy Crescent in Grafton.

Missing are a red 1981 Kawasaki, model KE 175 with a Montana license, and a blue-green 1981 Kawasaki, model KDX250, valued at $1,000 together. A small blue pickup was seen in the area.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Line at 898-7256.

Crime Line will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property or drugs. All calls are confidential, and callers do not have to leave their names or testify in court.